In the [Name of Court] Court of [County], [State]
Case No.: __________________________
Petitioner: [Full Name of Petitioner]
Respondent: [Full Name of Respondent]
I, [Respondent’s Full Name], residing at [Address, City, State, ZIP], submit this Response to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage filed by [Petitioner’s Full Name].
Respondent admits that the parties were legally married on [Marriage Date] in [City, State].
Respondent answers the allegations in the Petition as follows:
| Paragraph No. | Response (Admit, Deny, or Partially Admit) | Explanation (if necessary) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| 2 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| 3 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| 4 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| 5 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| Paragraph No. | Response (Admit, Deny, or Partially Admit) | Explanation (if necessary) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| 2 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| 3 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| 4 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| 5 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
Paragraph No.
Response (Admit, Deny, or Partially Admit)
Explanation (if necessary)
[Admit / Deny / Partially Admit]
[Optional Comment]
(Add additional rows as needed.)
The Respondent states the following regarding minor children:
Number of minor children: [Number]
Names and dates of birth: [Full Name, DOB]
The Respondent [agrees/disagrees] with the custody and visitation terms proposed by the Petitioner and instead requests the following arrangement:
[Outline desired custody, visitation schedule, and child support terms.]
The Respondent [agrees/disagrees] with the Petitioner’s proposed division of property and debts.
Requested division:
Property to Respondent: [List assets]
Property to Petitioner: [List assets]
Debts responsibility: [List debts and allocation]
The Respondent [does/does not] request spousal support (alimony).
If requested:
Monthly amount: $[Amount]
Duration: [Time Period or “until further order of the court”]
The Respondent requests that their former name, [Previous Name], be restored.
Respondent asserts the following counterclaims:
[Insert details, if applicable — e.g., custody modification, financial relief, division of additional assets.]
The Respondent respectfully requests that the Court:
Accept this Response as properly filed and served.
Grant a fair and equitable division of marital property and debts.
Establish custody, visitation, and support terms consistent with the Respondent’s requests.
Deny any relief sought by the Petitioner that is not consistent with law or fairness.
Grant any other relief the Court deems just and proper.
Date: __________________________
Respondent’s Signature: __________________________
Printed Name: __________________________
Address: __________________________
Phone Number: __________________________
Email: __________________________
I, [Respondent’s Name], affirm under penalty of perjury that the statements contained in this Response are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Signature: __________________________
Date: __________________________
I hereby certify that a copy of this Response to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage was served on [Petitioner’s Name or Petitioner’s Attorney] at [Address or Email] on [Date].
| Paragraph No. | Response (Admit, Deny, or Partially Admit) | Explanation (if necessary) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| 2 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| 3 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| 4 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
| 5 | [Admit / Deny / Partially Admit] | [Optional Comment] |
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For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
Frequently asked
A Response to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is a legal filing submitted by the respondent (the spouse who did not initiate the divorce) to acknowledge receipt of the petition and provide their position on the issues raised, such as custody, property division, and support.
Filing a response prevents a default judgment and ensures that your perspective and claims are considered by the court. It also allows you to request alternative arrangements regarding children, assets, or debts.
Typically, you must file your response within 20–30 days after being served with the divorce petition, depending on your state’s rules. Failing to respond within the deadline may result in the court proceeding without your input.
It should include your acknowledgment of the marriage, your agreements or disagreements with each allegation in the petition, any counterclaims, and your specific requests regarding custody, support, and division of property.
Yes. The respondent may request specific relief or file a “Counter-Petition” outlining their own proposals for property division, custody, and other matters.
Use our AI-powered builder to create a detailed, state-compliant response form tailored to your circumstances — ready to print, sign, and file in court.
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